The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the provisional results for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) 2024, but the news is overshadowed by a significant cheating scandal.
A staggering 41 school candidates have had their entire results cancelled due to examination malpractice.
The BECE is typically held in June and the results are released in October. The examination covers a wide range of subjects, including Mathematics, English Language, Science, Social Studies, and Religious and Moral Education. Students are required to pass all subjects in order to be eligible for senior high school.
The BECE for 2024 was held from June 3rd to 7th, 2024. A total of 569,236 candidates sat for the examination, comprising 282,703 males and 286,533 females. The examination was conducted at 2,123 centres across the country.
The provisional results showed that there was a significant number of candidates who were absent from the examination. A total of 3,845 candidates were absent, which is a significant increase from the previous year.
In addition to the high number of absentees, the BECE 2024 was also marred by a cheating scandal. WAEC has taken action against a number of candidates who were found to have engaged in examination malpractice. A total of 41 school candidates and 1 private candidate have had their entire results cancelled.
WAEC has taken a number of steps to combat cheating in the BECE. These steps include the use of CCTV cameras in examination halls and the introduction of biometric verification for candidates. WAEC has also warned candidates that they will be severely punished if they are caught cheating.
Despite WAEC’s efforts, cheating remains a problem in the BECE. This is a major concern as it undermines the integrity of the examination.
According to the press release by WAEC, the council taken serious action against widespread examination malpractice:
- 377 school candidates and 3 private candidates have had specific subject results cancelled for bringing unauthorized materials into the exam hall or colluding with other candidates.
- 41 school candidates and 1 private candidate have had their entire results cancelled due to severe breaches of exam regulations.
- 33 school candidates and 3 private candidates have had their entire results withheld pending further investigation.
- Results for candidates from 149 schools have been withheld due to reported irregularities, with possible cancellation or release dependent on the outcome of investigations.
WAEC is cautioning stakeholders to be wary of fraudsters who may attempt to exploit the situation by promising to upgrade results for a fee. The council emphasizes that BECE results are secure and can be authenticated, making any such offers fraudulent.
